I have always been a big fan of going to the movies. Even in this age of feature films coming into your home via streaming channels, there’s still nothing quite like being engulfed by that big screen in the theater, surrounded by music and sound effects coming at you from all directions. And that movie theater popcorn — there’s just nothing like it.
I took in a film at least once a week, if not more, for most of my adult life. Now in my senior years, I don’t go as often. The motion picture industry is clearly not targeting me — it is dominated by horror flicks, animated children’s features and fantasy action heroes. Profanity, graphic violence and sexual themes have been ratcheted up. It’s difficult now to find a good story, told in a clean and engaging way.
It’s also getting more challenging to discern who the good guys and the bad guys are. Endings are not always happy, and some movies don’t end at all. They just leave the plot wide open, requiring you to fill in your own conclusions. I find these frustrating and unsatisfying.
So you have to rely on performers and producers you trust. My favorite actor is Tom Hanks. If he is in a movie, I know it’s going to be well done and reasonably clean. He has played such an incredible range of characters in films such as “Big,” “Forrest Gump,” “Castaway,” “A League of Their Own,” “Apollo 13,” “Saving Private Ryan” and so many more.
I also look for movies produced by the Erwin brothers. I can depend on them to bring me intriguing stories with a solid Christian message. I suppose it’s much like finding a restaurant that always has good food, or a hair stylist who does your hair exactly the way you want it.
Or a book you can always go to for consistent answers to important questions. The Bible is the most reliable resource out there. You want consistent? How about 2,000 years in print. The all-time best seller. Unlike restaurants and hairstyles, the Word of God never changes, is always in style and always right.
And unlike many of the movies of today, it will always take you to the ultimate happy ending.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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